Hardy Hong Kong swimmers brave busy harbour

For nearly 30 years, Sandy Lam (pictured below) has been rising early each day for a dip in the sometimes choppy waters off the western edge of Hong Kong island, next to one of the world's busiest ports.

4 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

Sandy Lam hangs a towel to dry in the men's changing room.

Lam, 68, is part of a tightly-knit community of around 50 mostly elderly citizens who are regular visitors to Sai Wan Swimming Shed, tucked away off a steep hill, providing basic changing rooms and showers.

"We're all friends and we've known each other for a long time," said Lam. "We pay HK$150 ($19) per month which pays for the water and light in the shed, and for the changing rooms to be kept well."

4 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

Yin Sing, 83, looks out to sea from the shed.

The shed, built in the 1960s or 1970s, is the sole survivor of such structures, popular in the first half of the last century when public swimming facilities were sparse in the former British colony, and it is now also a hit with tourists and newlyweds.

7 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

A man prepares to swim.

The residents, many of who have been swimming there for decades, plunge into the waters from steps reached by a spindly wooden bridge propped up on the rocks, just a stone's throw from the heart of the financial centre against a busy backdrop of container ships, ferries and fishing boats.

5 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

Yin Sing showers in the men's changing area.

"I've been coming here for 40 years, every single day," said 83-year-old Yin Sing. "I walk up the hill to come here, even on a Sunday."

Most of the swimmers say the exercise keeps them healthy, although they have noticed changes in water quality over the decades.

7 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

Dennis Yeung climbs out of the sea.

Story

"I feel there is more plastic in the sea," said Dennis Yeung, 58. "I have noticed a difference since I've been swimming here from when I was small... There is quite a big difference. In the future, it will be more of a problem too."

Writing by Anne Marie Roantree

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7 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

Yim Sui Hing, 86, swims in the sea before dawn.

7 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

A man prepares to swim at dawn.

5 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

Swimmers play cards in the communal room.

4 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

Clothes hang next to a collage of photographs of swimmers on the wall in the communal room.

4 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

Lockers are seen in the men's changing room.

4 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

Tim Man Kwok, 72, who has been coming to the swimming shed for 28 years, lights incense next to a statue of the Chinese God of Land.

4 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

A man exercises before swimming.

7 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

A man exercises.

7 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

A woman prepares to swim.

4 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

Women prepare to swim.

5 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

Lin Sik Oi, 75, who has been coming to the swimming shed for 30 years, said: "I swim here to keep fit. We come here for exercise every day, all year round."

4 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

A man prepares to swim.

7 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

A woman swims as a plastic bottle floats.

4 Oct 2018. Hong Kong, CHINA. Reuters/Hannah McKay

Chin Choi, 78, who has been coming to the swimming shed for 36 years, said: "I come here every day at 7 o'clock in the morning. My daughter suggested I came here to swim because it would improve my breathing."